The Holidays are officially over. It is time to get back to reality. Kelly from Kansas City Mamas gives us some tips on how to infuse new into our homes after the holiday decorations are packed away.
Christmas is over.
And the decorations will be put away – back to the attic where they will wait for eleven months to be seen again.
Sniff.
It always makes me sad to see the Christmas decorations go away. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those people who enjoy having Santa decorations up all year round.
But there is something magical about having something different in your house – out of the normal – for a few weeks out of the year.
And after some thought, I realized why I think it is magical (besides the childlike awe in my kiddos eyes), it is becuase I enjoy a change in my surroundings.
As a stay-at-home mom, my home is not only my home, but my workplace too. And in the winter (especially in Kansas), it can seem like I am stuck in my house.
If neglected, my senses can get, well, they can get depressed when all I see is the same ole’, same ole’ inside my house and brown and more brown outside of my house.
So this year, I challenged myself to find an area in my house and modify it monthly. I would infuse some newness into my home. I would break out of the rut. I would tickle the senses. And I would do it without busting my budget.
My area of modification is my side table in my dining room. The side table is nothing fancy, but since we eat meals in that room three times a day – I see it pretty often.
I made a scene from items I already had on hand that reminded me of the winter season. And I didn’t spend a penny.
The orb with snowflake is a glass vase stuffed with some ribbon and an ornament from the Christmas tree.
The pinecones are from winter walks I take with the kiddos and from my parent’s land, and I put them in an old glass vase. The “artwork” is just an old frame with butcher paper and an evergreen sprig from a bush in our yard.
Is it the most amazingly designed home interior project? Nope.
Will it lighten my spirits a little when it is 15 degrees outside? Absolutely.
You can do it, too. Rethink an area of your house. Find some things you enjoy and place them on table or shelf. Be creative, it shouldn’t cost a fortune.
Here are some ideas.
Check out nature. Find some sprigs, leaves, twigs, etc. on your next walk around the block.
Look at glass vases. They are great for keeping like things together to create a statement piece and they sparkle from the light.
Add some items that you love. Standing picture holders are a great way to display framed artwork on a more intimate level.
Add another lamp. Light is precious in the winter. Don’t be afraid to add an extra candle or lamp to make it BRIGHTER.
Use mesh bags from produce to add another level of texture to items.
Use paint on an old item and make it new. Paint it a color you love but have been afraid to use in your house.
Look at the dollar store or craft stores for inexpensive items to give an additional “POW” to your area.
Are you ready to infuse some new into your house? Go nuts.
And remember, you can always change it back.
Kelly Snyder is the author of Kansas City Mamas – a website devoted to living well by saving more. And besides being a coupon ninja, she believes that life is too short for bad coffee, wine or food (but not necessarily in that order).
Amy F :) says
very pretty! Thanks so much for posting!!!
Ada says
Beautiful! Love it!
lynn @ Maven of Savin says
Great ideas and simple too – it is amazing how much little things can brighten your day. Thanks for the great ideas!
Shelly @ Coupon Teacher says
I love it. I can’t do it. Wanna come fix up my house?
connie says
My husband just said the samething yesterday as I took down our decorations he said I wish the feeling n spirit of Christmas was around all year long.
Kelly Morris says
Great post! I was just talking about this very thing earlier in the week, but I love your take on it too!